For Margaret Sherk and Christa Van Daele, returning to academic studies after an extended hiatus has been an exciting and introspectively insightful experience. Both Margaret and Christa are Master of Theological Studies (MTS) students at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. Through discussions that encourage back-and-forths between professors and other students, they have experienced religious diversity that has allowed them to explore their own spirituality. Their life experiences have enriched their learning and allowed them to contextualize course content and provide valuable insights to others in the classroom. 

Margaret and Christa

Before her studies at Grebel, Christa had already worked a fulfilling career. She received her doctorate in Education from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education from the University of Toronto, won awards for her fictional and non-fictional essays, and helped refugees and immigrants at The Working Centre in Waterloo Region. In her MTS studies, Christa relishes exploring different religious traditions around the world. “The global world opened up to me,” explained Christa. “From Central and South America, Asia, Africa, as well as women’s voices in different parts of the world, the MTS program has collectively shaped an inspiring community of faith and learning that I have been lucky to be a part of."

“Shifting from the field of science to the arts required gaining new skills in research and writing,” said Margaret, who previously worked in health sciences for more than 35 years. “Grebel provided many supports like the Writing Centre, and the professors were most encouraging in helping me develop those skills.” Margaret especially appreciated the MTS program’s flexibility, which allowed her to attend school on a part-time basis and still engage with course material at a satisfying depth.  

Christa had similar praises for the work adaptability available for MTS students. “The flexibility was outstanding,” she said. “As a retired individual, I’ve experienced the MTS program in ways that suited my own pacing. The slower pace of learning really helped me reflect on and absorb the content.”  

Spirituality and internal reflection were highlighted points of study in Christa’s and Margaret’s learning experiences. “Those insights emerge in curious ways over time,” Christa remarked. After discovering the writings of a woman named Egeria, an early writer in the year 381, Christa began to view pilgrimage as something applicable to people of all ages and genders. “There were many surprises and mysteries. I think other students in my classes hit upon similar fascinations and topics that gripped them; your historical contexts build, interconnect, and speak to you in new ways.”   

Learning the history of Christian theology applied directly to Margaret’s own religious traditions and interests. “The opportunity to engage in biblical studies in an academic context was enlightening and inspiring. Mature students can identify with the content and gain strength from the research findings and spiritual care explored in the course.”  

The MTS program is an engaging program that invites people of all ages and motivations for studying. The University of Waterloo offers a senior’s discount to make learning post-retirement more affordable, as well as full tuition scholarships for full-time students. “For myself, the MTS program has been a personal journey where I’ve seriously investigated historical and theological scholarship in Christian thought,” said Christa. “I found unexpected enjoyment in the community ties I developed."  

That community is fostered in a classroom full of engaged students and devoted professors. “The stimulating material and broad diversity of students in age, background, and views enriched my learning experience,” remarked Margaret. “While the approaches of the professors may differ, I found their subject matter to be equally engaging and encouraging.”  

By Jiho Mercer

Photo: Margaret Sherk and Christa Van Daele